As koala numbers plummet around Australia, one of the biggest populations in south-east Queensland is under threat as developers move in.

Key points:

Third of the koala population habitat has been destroyed over the past decade

Report says population numbers stable, but bushland is nearing limit of koalas it can house

Wildlife Sanctuary seen eight-fold increase in numbers admitted to the hospital

Known as the East Coomera population, a third of their habitat has been destroyed over the past decade — and now more bushland has been earmarked for housing developments.

“We are seeing huge amounts of koalas moving into other locations, creating higher densities than ever before and densities that are simply unsustainable,” spokesperson for the Coomera Conservation Group Nicole Taylor said.

Ms Taylor took on the role of conservationist after seeing what she believed was evidence of the impact of urban development on her local koala population.

“My family was on its way to the Coomera train station to catch the train to the Ekka, when we came across a deceased koala by the side of the road,” she said.

“It was a deceased male, when I looked up right behind him I saw a bulldozer — that was the moment for me to say this has got to be enough.”

Head of the City Planning committee, who conducted the report, Gold Coast councillor Cameron Caldwell said there was no documented evidence of over-browsing — where koalas eat themselves out of house and home.

“The report says quite clearly that there hasn’t been any overt signs of increase in disease in the population,” he said.

The report also found that at least 1,150 hectares of land needed to be set aside for koalas.

Mr Caldwell said they were investigating as to whether there was “suitable land in the area” and the State Government said they would be willing to work with councils.

“The Queensland Government has been approached by the City of Gold Coast to explore opportunities to secure, consolidate and restore increased koala habitat and is willing to work with the council to identify opportunities,” the Environment Department said in a statement.